Thanks for all the reviews guys. I know that I have said it before but I really do appreciate them. Your words are very encouraging and inspiring.
Sorry I couldn't reply to your reviews this time. In a wee bit of a rush.
Here is a veeeeeery long chapter for ya. Hope you enjoy.
I own nothing but my imagination. Miranda, Casey and Alyssa are mine as well.
Spencer's P.O.V
It's 7 a.m. I've been sitting in his office for 15 minutes waiting for him. He's late of course. This is the second time I have been called to his office for a meeting and he has been late. The first time I showed up to my classroom 10 minutes late because of him. Ugh. He is the principle; he should set a better example.
The door opened and he finally strolled in. He was holding a cup of coffee from Starbucks and that pissed me off more. He stopped for coffee when he knew he was running late. Wonderful.
"Sorry I'm late Mrs. Dennison. Hope you weren't waiting too long." Seriously?
"I've been waiting since 6:45, when you asked me to be here." I didn't sound happy but I didn't sound rude either.
"Sorry about that. Had a slow start." And you just had to stop and get that coffee.
"So did you have another student that you wanted to start volunteering?" The last time I had a meeting with him he asked me to take another student into the volunteer program. He had noticed the change in Ashley and hoped I could do the same with other students.
"No. That's not why I asked you here today." He tossed an envelope in front of me and I eyed it curiously.
"Go ahead. Open it."
I slowly opened the envelope and there was a small piece of paper inside. As I started to unfold it I noticed that there wasn't much written on the paper but the print was rather large.
My eyes went wide when I saw what the print read. I tried to keep my cool but I could feel my face losing its color. My palms started to sweat and my mouth went dry.
You should really pay more attention to your teachers.
Mrs. Dennison is a great teacher but she is also having sex with one of her students.
Tsk Tsk
I pulled myself together, put the note back into the envelope and tossed it back towards him. I had to think fast.
"Is this some kind of a joke?" I asked him.
"I wish I knew. It was on my desk Thursday morning." He said and then got up and walked to the front of his desk before leaning on it.
"Mrs. Dennison I am required to report this kind of thing to the school board."
I suddenly felt sick. I gripped my chair.
"I don't want to do that. You are an exceptional teacher Spencer. The students actually seem to enjoy what you are teaching them. And I have even seen you help with the transformation of a few troubled kids."
I looked up at him and nodded.
"Please tell me that these accusations are false."
"Of course they are false. I am not having sex with a student. Nor have I ever." I wasn't lying. Ashley and I haven't had sex.
"I don't know who could have possibly written that or where they would even get the idea but the whole thing is just preposterous." I really didn't know who could have written it even though there were a few people that knew. And obviously I knew where someone could have had the idea but I thought Ashley and I had been very careful.
"Mrs. Dennison I never thought that the accusations were accurate. It's an anonymous letter with no proof to back it up. I am just going to take it as a student playing a prank."
You don't know how relieved I felt hearing that. I slowly released my grip from the chair and my breathing was starting to return to normal.
"But.." Uh oh. 'But' is never a good word.
"I do plan on being a little more observant and keeping my eyes and ears open. If there is some very small chance that these accusations are factual I could get into a lot of trouble for not reporting it."
"I understand Mr. Goodman. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. Thank you for not taking this to the school board. It would have been unnecessary and brought a lot of unwanted attention to the school and the students. Thank you for believing in me."
"You're welcome Mrs. Dennison. Have a good day. Keep up the excellent teaching." He walked to the door and opened it for me. Somehow I found my legs and walked out.
As I walked back to my classroom I thought about what just happened. I could have just lost my job, my teaching degree. All because of some anonymous letter. Who am I kidding? I could have lost my teaching degree because I fell in love with a student. What was I going to do now? I shook my head. Who could have done this? The only people who I was aware that knew were Me, Ashley, Miranda, Raife and now Madison. And although I knew Madison wouldn't have done this, I also knew she had a big mouth. Could she have told someone else?
What was I going to do now? That question kept popping up like an annoying Jack in the Box. I already knew what needed to be done and it would be one of the hardest things I have ever had to do in my life.
The naucousness was back. I ran into the bathroom and emptied the contents of my stomach. As I stood at the sink I looked at myself in the mirror.
I was pale as a ghost.
My eyes were watery.
My lips trembling.
I was scared. Not just about the note and Mr. Goodman finding out. Not just about the possibility of losing my job.
I was scared of losing Ashley.
But I had to do this. For us. For our future.
Ashley's P.O.V.
I was sitting in class waiting for Spencer. She must still be in her meeting with Mr. Goodman. The class started piling up and she finally walked in. She didn't look good. Whoa..did I just say that? Seriously though. She looked horrible. Her face was pale and her eyes a little red. She sat down and started taking things out of her briefcase. She never looked up at me and I was starting to get scared. What was wrong with her? Was she not feeling well? She was feeling alright this morning when I had her up on the kitchen counter….I'm not going to get into that right now. Let's just say I had to take yet another cold shower before I came to school.
She got up from her chair and walked to the board. She was writing something on it but I was not paying attention. I was worried about her. When she turned around we made eye contact but she quickly looked away. What the fuck was that about? She started addressing the class. Something about the next story we were going to be reading. I couldn't get the image of her looking away from me out of my head. I started going over everything I did and said over the last few days. Did I do something wrong? Did I say something I shouldn't have said? I thought she had forgiven me for the Casey thing and for my reaction to her with Carmen. I know she did. I was driving myself crazy wondering what the hell was going on.
The bell finally rang and once everyone had left the classroom I approached her.
"What's going on Spence?" I asked quietly. She looked up at me and her eyes showed sadness.
"Everything's is fine. We'll talk later okay?" Her voice cracked and her bottom lip trembled slightly.
"Everything is clearly not fine Spencer. Please just tell me what's wrong." I stepped closer to where she was sitting and she stood up and was suddenly walking towards the door. I followed and stood across from her in the doorway.
"You need to go to 2nd period Ash. I can't talk about it right now but I'll talk to you later I promise."
"You're scaring me. How am I supposed to walk away right now?"
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. But I'm fine. Something happened this morning and we need to discuss it but not here and not right now. You need to go."
"Okay. Promise we'll talk later."
She nodded.
"I love you Spencer." I whispered on my way out the door.
I tried focusing on the rest of my classes but I couldn't. I was worried about Spencer. She wasn't mad at me, I think. But she wasn't acting like herself. She wouldn't let me get anywhere near her. It's like she was scared to let me get close to her but at the same time I could see the hurt and love in her eyes. I don't know. It was all so weird.
Somehow I made it to lunch. I walked by Spencer's classroom and the light was off and the door closed. When I got to the quad I noticed her car wasn't in the parking lot. That was strange considering she usually didn't leave until during or after my lunch period. I turned around and bumped right into…Miranda.
"Have you talked to Spence?" I asked her.
"Yeah I have. Come on." She pulled me out to my car and we got in.
"What's going on? You know don't you?" I questioned as soon as we closed the doors.
She nodded.
"Well?"
"Someone left a note on Mr. Goodman's desk. The note said that Mrs. Dennison was having sex with one of her students."
Oh fuck! This is not good. I instantly felt sick to my stomach and my whole body felt like it was on fire.
"What else did he say?" I asked with a shaky voice.
"He's not going to take it to the school board because he thinks it is bogus. But he is going to keep his eyes and ears open. Spence is freaking out Ash. She's scared."
"He's not going to go the school board, that's a relief."
"Yeah but somebody knows about you two and who knows what they might do when the realize Mr. G isn't doing anything about it."
I leaned my head against my steering wheel. I was trying to keep in the tears that threatened to spill but I was too weak. They fell fast from my eyes and dropped onto my jeans.
"Oh Ash. Come here." Miranda pulled me into her.
"I'm scared too Miranda. I can't lose Spencer. I just can't. This wasn't supposed to happen. We were so careful." I pulled away from her and slammed the palms of my hands into the steering wheel.
"This is such bullshit. I should have known this would happen. I am not destined to be happy. Something or someone always come along to destroy it. When I found out who did this they are going to fucking pay. I don't care what I have to do. I don't care if I have to.."
"Easy Ash. This isn't as bad as you think. If you can stay away from Spencer until after graduation you guys can be together. But you can't call her and you can't come to the house right now."
"I can't come home." I had finally found a home where I felt completely loved and welcome and I was being told I had to stay away from it.
"Sorry Ash. I'll come stay the night with you as much as you can stand me, okay?"
I ran my hands through my hair and sighed.
"Thanks Miranda. That's mean a lot." If I couldn't stay the night with Spencer, Miranda was the next best thing. She always made me feel better. Hopefully she could keep doing that. I had a feeling I was going to need her now more than ever. But I knew Spencer was going to need her too.
"Spencer is going to need you too though. I'm not going to hog you."
"I'll do what I can for the both of you. I love you guys so much. I hate that this happened."
"That makes two of us."
I started the car and headed out of the parking lot.
"Where are we going?"
"The phone store and then food."
"The phone store?"
"Yep. I need to get me some pre-paid phones."
I bought two, one for me and the other for Spencer of course.
I got back in the car and handed one to Miranda. She eyed me curiously.
"If you think I am going 3 weeks without at least talking to my girlfriend you are not as smart as I thought you were." She shook her head and snickered.
"Give that one to Spencer. My phone number is already programmed into it."
We got a bite to eat and then headed back to school. I went directly to art class and on the way spotted Madi by the drinking fountain talking to some friends.
"Hey Mads. Can I talk to you for a minute?"
"Sure. Talk to you later guys." I pulled her by the arm into a corner.
I told Madison everything that happened and she was as surprised as I was.
"I swear Ash. I never said anything to anyone. I've only talked about it with you and Spencer. I know I run my mouth a lot but not about the important things. I know how much she means to you Ash. I wouldn't do anything to jeopardize your relationship."
I already knew she didn't and I felt bad for insinuating she might have. "I'm sorry Madi. I know you would never do that to me. I shouldn't have said anything."
"It's okay. So she's not talking to you?"
"Nope. She would barely look at me."
"Wow that sucks Ash. At least it's only for 3 weeks right?"
"A lot can happen in 3 weeks." It only took me 1 week to fall in love with her.
"It's not like she's going to find someone else Ash. She loves you. She is probably just as miserable as you right now."
"This sucks." I let my head fall back into the hard concrete wall.
"Well at least you don't have to worry about the sex thing happening before graduation."
"So not helping Mads." She laughed and then escorted me to Art.
Finally Gym class. I sat outside the locker room waiting for Casey. She was one of the last one's out. She walked out with a few other girls and spotted me immediately.
"I'll meet you guys in there." She said to the girls and then approached me.
"What's up Ash?" She asked with her arms crossed.
"I have to ask you something and I need you to be completely honest with me."
"Is this about Carmen? Look Ashley we're not together. We're just hanging out..as friends."
"No. This isn't about Carmen but now that you've brought her up I would like to talk about her too." I hope she didn't think I was jealous. Please.
"There's not really much to talk about. She apologized. I accepted. We've been talking and she's actually a lot of fun so we've hung out a bit." And all over each other a bit.
"How could you forgive her so easily?"
"I'm a forgiving person. You of all people should know that." I hung my head low.
"I know I've hurt you in the past but you can't compare what I did with what Carmen did." It's not even close to as bad.
"I'm not. I'm sorry I didn't mean it to sound like that. Carmen has actually been trying to apologize for months. She kept saying she was trying to change. She wanted to be a better person. She seems to be trying so I am giving her a second chance."
"Just be careful Casey."
"I will." She moved her bag on her shoulder to her other shoulder.
"What else did you want to talk about?" Oh right.
"Have you told anyone about my little crush on Mrs. Dennison?"
"Uh no. Why would I? It's not like you're the only one. Even the 'straight' girls have a crush on Mrs. Dennison. Why does it matter so much?"
Shit! I really hadn't thought this through. I had no idea how to answer that.
"Uh no reason really. Just I, I think she knows and now she's treating me different." Yep that's the best I could do.
"Of course she knows. I saw the way you looked at her in the hallway last week. You were practically undressing her with your eyes. I doubt that's the reason she's treating you differently though. Maybe it's because you've been different lately."
"Maybe. You're probably right."
"I gotta go Ashley. Some of us actually like participating in Gym."
"Eww. Sorry. Have fun." I made a disgusted face and she laughed.
"Bye Ash."
"And I'd appreciate it if you kept your balls to yourself." I yelled after her. I heard her laugh again.
"Sorry. You looked way too comfortable." She stopped and said before she walked into the Gym.
That conversation went a lot better than I thought it would. At least Casey and I could still be civil to one another and talk without it being awkward.
So I now knew it wasn't Casey. So if not Casey or Madi it had to have been someone who somehow saw us. But who? And when?
I walked into my bedroom and threw myself on the bed. This was going to be a very looooong 3 weeks. I must have fallen asleep , I heard my phone ringing and looked up and 2 hours had passed. I grabbed my phone but it wasn't ringing. Then I remembered the pre-paid phone and ran to my bag. I tore out of the bag and quickly answered.
"Spence?"
"Hey Ash." She said quietly. There was a hint of sadness in her voice.
"Thanks for the phone. That was a great idea."
"I'm going to go nuts not getting to see you and feel you Spence. I at least had to talk to you and hear your voice."
"I'm sorry Ashley. I hate that this happened. And I wish I knew how it happened but I don't and we can't worry about that. We just have to focus on the future. 3 weeks Ashley. We can do 3 weeks."
"I can't do 3 weeks Spence. I can't even do 3 hours. I miss you so much. I just want to drive over there, bust through the door and kiss you til I can't breathe. I don't know how I'm going to sleep tonight without you next to me. Without the sound of you breathing and the warmth of being in your arms. This is killing me Spence and I'm sorry to sound like a big baby but I wanna come home. To our home. Man this sucks."
She laughed. "Are you done now?"
"Don't be mean Spence. I've just gotten so used to being with you that I don't know how to not be. What do I do?"
"What did you do before me?"
"A lot of women."
"Not funny Ashley."
"Sorry. You asked."
"Why don't you write some music or read a book. Watch your favorite movie 'The Notebook'" She laughed.
"Ugh. Fine. Whatever. I freakin' love 'The Notebook'. Happy? Why don't you come over and watch it with me?"
She sighed. "You know I can't do that Ash. But if I could I'd be over there in second."
"I know. I guess I'll just have to hold my pillow and pretend that it's you." I made my pouty face even though I knew she couldn't see it.
"Hey as long as you don't start making out with your pillow. That would be crossing the line." She laughed again.
"I love you Spence." I said out of nowhere and suddenly serious.
"I love you too Ash. We're going to be okay. I believe in us."
"I believe in us too. I just wish our relationship didn't have to be tested so much."
"We're going to get through this. Just like everything else. And it's just going to make us stronger as one. It's going to make our love stronger."
"Please don't say 'Absence makes the heart grow fonder'."
"It's true Ash. Every minute I have to spend away from you I realize just how much I love you and how much I want to be with you. Always."
We could do this. I could do this. For her. For us.
"I'm up for 'Always'."
We talked a little while longer before I reluctantly hung up the phone. I already missed the sound of her voice. Her sexy laugh. Her adorable yawns. I sighed and laid my head down. Hoping I could at least hold her in my dreams.
2 weeks, 5 days left…
It's been 2 days and I am fucking miserable. I have gotten to see Spencer in class luckily but it hasn't been the same. She barely looks at me. I know it's hard for her. I find myself staring at her more than usual. Daydreaming. Wishing for this to be over.
The doorbell rang and interrupted me from what I was doing. I ran down the stairs hoping and wishing but knowing it was not her. On my doorstep was Miranda, holding Spike and the biggest tub of Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream I had ever seen.
"Hope you weren't busy because I brought movies too."
"Well actually I sort of was but that ice cream is calling my name."
"And what were you doing? Organizing your record collection again?"
I swear she is some kind of psychic.
"Yes I was. But this time I was doing it backwards alphabetically and by band name."
"Oh boy. Yeah I'm glad I came over." She was looking at me strange.
"What?" She just laughed and handed me a spoon.
I hope Spence will still love me in 3 weeks when I've gained 30 lbs. from eating away my misery.
2 weeks, 2 days left…..
I pulled up to the park a half hour early. I was so excited to see Spencer and actually get to talk to her in person. There were already a lot of people there. I found my group. It wasn't hard. I just looked for the stunningly beautiful blonde that was currently surrounded. She was giving out instructions. I just stood back and smiled. I watched her actions in complete admiration. She truly loved doing this. After she had given the last few instructions she turned around and caught me grinning like a fool. I was a fool….for her.
"Hi." She said sweetly as she walked towards me with a grin matching mine.
"Hi." "I thought I was early."
"You are. But so is everyone else."
"I miss seeing you like this." I eyed her up and down.
"Like what?"
"In plain clothes. You don't know how sexy you make a hooded sweatshirt look."
She laughed. "It's only been 6 days Ashley."
"But who's counting right?" I sure was.
"Well where do you want me Teach?"
"Right by my side where I can keep an eye on you." She said and then looked over towards one of the other groups.
I laughed when I saw Rebecca.
"You so don't need to worry about her Spence. She's got nothing on my smokin' hot girlfriend."
"No?"
"Not even close. I never liked her. She's actually kind of annoying." She was too pushy.
"Not annoying enough to keep you from asking her out." I forgot about that.
"I was just trying to make you jealous Spence." I smirked. "And it worked."
She shook her head with a smile. "Yes. It did."
She sent me over to the fresh flower beds to help Miranda with planting the flowers. After we finished with that we joined Spencer in re-painting the very large play structure.
We all talked amongst ourselves about everything that went down but we also talked about Chris. Miranda's new boyfriend. Okay so he wasn't her boyfriend but Spence and I couldn't help but tease her a bit. They had been talking on the phone for at least an hour every night. She was so cute when she talked about him. She liked him a lot. But she was taking it slow and being careful. That's my girl.
I took my time painting my side which was a great deal smaller than what Spencer was painting. I maybe even painted it over a couple times. I needed more time with my girlfriend.
"Hey Picasso, you done yet?" Miranda bumped me with her hip.
"Hey easy, you'll ruin my masterpiece."
"Don't think I haven't noticed that you have painted that pole more than 3 times."
She laughed and so did Spencer who was suddenly on the other side of me.
"Yeah I kind of noticed that too." She smiled at me adoringly.
"Whatever. I just want it to be perfect. The kids deserve perfect."
"Uh huh. Sure. So you're not just trying to prolong your time with Spencer?"
"I don't know what you're talking about."
Someone called Spencer's name and she started walking away.
"I'll be right back."
Miranda put her arm around my shoulder.
"I know you miss her. She misses you too. Only 2 more weeks Ash."
"Yeah..2 more weeks." I replied with a frown. I can do this. I really can.
Who am I kidding?
Being up on the stage was exactly what I needed. I missed Thursday's show because I wasn't feeling well. Johnny didn't have a problem with that he just called someone else to do the show.
I thought about Spencer the entire time on was up there. Of course I did, how could I not? Nearly every song was about her. And if it wasn't for Miranda smiling up at me I probably wouldn't have made it through the show without losing it. Singing about Spencer made me miss her even more. If that was possible. When did I become such a crybaby?
After the show Miranda came home with me. We were driving to Malibu in the morning to spend the day with Alyssa.
Spending the day with her was just what I needed. She always put everything into perspective for me. I needed to stop whining about not getting to see Spencer. At least we had a future together. 2 more weeks and everything would be perfect.
2 weeks 3 days left…
The week flew by fast. We were studying Song of Myself from Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman. It was one of my favorite poems and it made the week a little more bearable. Spencer even smiled at me a few times in class. It's amazing how much a smile can brighten up your day.
2 weeks 1 day left…..
Alyssa was unusually energetic today. Miranda and I took her out to the ocean and sat her down in the sand. We took some pictures and had a picnic on the beach. It was a good day. One I will never forget. Alyssa was even grilling Miranda on her 'boyfriend'. I had never seen Miranda blush so much. I gave Alyssa a gift that I had made for her. I was so bored at home I decided to record a little album in the music room. It wasn't much but it made her so happy. The album consisted of all the songs I sang at her show and a few other ones like Hallelujah and The Only Exception by Paramore. When I sang that song it reminded me of what I had with Spencer. She truly was the The Only Exception.
1 week 4 days left…..
I talked to Casey and Carmen today. They were sitting together in the quad and I just couldn't help myself. I had to be nosey.
"So are you guys together now?" I asked as I took a sit directly in front of them.
They looked at each other and laughed.
"No we are not together Ashley. We are just friends." Carmen replied still laughing a bit.
"What is so funny?" I looked between the both of them who were bright red.
"We tried the whole 'together' thing. We decided that maybe we should just stay friends." Casey explained.
"Okay I didn't need to know that. Was it that bad that you are both laughing about it?"
"Don't worry about it Ashley. Some things are better left unsaid and unknown. Trust me." Carmen said seriously.
"Okaaay then. You two have a great day. Bye now." What the hell was that? I don't think I even want to know. Okay I lied I did want to know.
When I walked away they started laughing again and then playfully shoving each other. It was cute. I never thought I would say this but they were cute together. I hoped they worked out their issues with the 'togetherness'.
1 week, 2 days left…
Volunteer day Yay! We were visited an orphanage today. We took the kids to the zoo. It was truly an eye-opening experience.
I sat down next to Spencer on the bus ride home. Our hands both resting on our knees so close to each other. I wanted so badly to reach over and hold hers. But we had a week and I was not going to take any risks.
"These kids are great Ashley. It's so sad that they don't have anyone or even a home."
"Uh oh. You're not thinking about what I think you're thinking about, are you?"
"What?"
"I want kids Spence but not for at least another 10 years. Ya know when we're old married hags."
She laughed.
"I'm not thinking of adopting any kids right now Ashley. I want to have my own. But I'm not waiting 10 years. Maybe 5 or 6."
"You would make an amazing mother." I quickly grabbed her hand and squeezed it ignoring the shock that went through my arm I dropped it quickly.
"So would you."
"I would definitely be the cool mom."
"Hey." She slapped my arm playfully.
"Are you saying I'm not cool?" She pouted.
"You're cool Spence. But we both know I'm going to be the mom who breaks the rules. It's who I am."
"I love who you are." She said quietly.
I just smiled. One more week and she was finally all mine…officially.
5 days left…..
Finally exams were over. I had never studied so much in my life. I had nothing else to do so I figured why not. I couldn't believe I was actually graduating. A couple months ago I didn't even care. It's amazing how love can change someone. I was proud of myself for getting to this point and a little surprised. I'm sure I wasn't the only one.
It's Friday night and Miranda, Madi and Chelsea are in my room, or shall I say closet. We were looking for something for Miranda to wear on her first date. Yes, you heard right. Her first date. And yes I was completely okay with that. I was completely okay with that because I had gotten the report back from the P.I. I hired to find out about Chris and everything came back normal. Besides a few tickets for speeding he was clean. And yes I told Miranda about the P.I. She just laughed. "I'm not surprised." She said. "Thank you for looking out for me."
I offered to take her shopping at the mall for an outfit for her date but she refused. "I'll just go shopping in your closet. There are still price tags on almost half the clothes in there." Oops. I may have a slight addiction.
When she was finally ready and Chris came to pick her up I nearly cried. I felt like the proud big sis. I didn't even grill Chris when he came in. I just asked him to politely have her home by Midnight. He had smiled but I could see that it was unsure and uncomfortable. Was I that intimidating?
I gave Miranda a hug and kissed her on the cheek.
"I'll call you in an hour. The code phrase is..'Do you need me to pick you up something from the pharmacy?' I'll be there in a heartbeat to pick you up." I whispered in her ear.
I told her if she was having a bad time and needed an out I would call pretending to be a very ill Spencer.
"Thanks Ash. But I know I'm not going to need it." She pulled back and gave a me a big smile. Then she was out the door and on the way to his car.
"If he hurts her I'll kill the kid." I said shutting the door. Madi and Chelsea shook their heads and chuckled.
I called Spencer later that night and told her about Miranda's big date. Spencer actually was a little on the ill side. She had a cold. I felt bad for her in class the end of the week. She was blowing her nose and coughing. It wasn't very attractive but I found myself wanting to take her home and take care of her.
After Chelsea left Madi and I started cooking. We were attempting to make Chicken soup. I told you I wanted to take care of Spencer. I figured it was the least I could do. I would send it home with Miranda on Saturday morning.
We didn't have volunteer work on Saturday which made me sad. I was glad at the same time. Spencer needed to get better. Graduation was less than 5 days away. Yippee.
Miranda's date went really good. He didn't even try to kiss her when he dropped her off at the door. I may have been peeking a bit. I know, shame on me. He did kiss her on the cheek. It was sweet.
After gushing about the date for over an hour we went to sleep. In the morning she took the chicken soup home. She called to say that Spencer couldn't stop smiling when she saw the big pot of soup. And it apparently was pretty good. Spencer had 2 bowls. I got a call a little while after from Spencer. She thanked me and told me she was thinking of ways to personally thank me when she got better. Wink , wink. Of course that would have to wait til after Tuesday.
2 days left….
It was Monday morning and I was exhausted. We had gotten home really late from our trip to Malibu. Alyssa slept most of the morning and afternoon so we had to wait until the evening to spend time with her. I sang a couple of the new songs I had written and Miranda told Alyssa all about her big date. She was hesitant at first until Alyssa said. "You better tell me or I'll call Chris right now and ask him myself."
It was only a half day and after picking up my robe for tomorrow's ceremony I went to get lunch with the girls. We went to my house afterwards and there was a surprise waiting for me. My dad was home. I ran in the house and found him in the kitchen baking. Yes my dad was baking. Cute little apron and all. I nearly tackled him to the ground.
"There's my princess. How was your last day of school?" He kissed me on the forehead and set me down.
"Wonderful. But not as wonderful as seeing you here. I can't believe you're here already. You weren't supposed to be in til just before the ceremony."
"I moved some things around so I could get here early. I didn't want to get here last minute." Madi and Miranda finally made it into the kitchen. "Hi girls."
"Mr. Davies it's good to see you." Miranda walked up and gave him a hug.
"It's Raife. None of that Mr. Davies stuff." He held his arms out for Madi and she walked into them.
"Thank you girls for keeping my Princess here company. I know she has been going nuts lately." My dad knew everything. I had called him once or twice or maybe even 15 times whining. I actually felt bad for him.
"Well she won't be going nuts for much longer. We graduate tomorrow. Soon she will have her Spencer time back." Madi said.
"Thank God. I can't take her and Spencer much longer. They are both miserable and it's making me miserable." Miranda cried.
"What? Whatever lover girl." She blushed and I laughed.
"What are you baking dad?" I peeked into the oven.
"A cake of course."
"A cake? For what?"
"My baby is graduating tomorrow. I think that calls for celebration and you can't celebrate without a cake…or 3." He opened the fridge and there were already 2 cakes in there.
"Wow. Are you planning some big party that I'm not aware of?"
"Nah. No party but I do expect a few people."
"I hope one of those people is my girlfriend."
"I may have called her." He winked.
Madi and Miranda left so I could hang out with my dad. He was only home until Wednesday morning.
He talked a little about his tour and I talked about school and Spencer. We went out and had dinner and then went shopping. He was buying me a new guitar for graduation and I couldn't have been more thrilled.
I got an electric guitar. I had been practicing the electric lately since I was bored. My new guitar was a 1959 Les Paul Standard VOS. One of the most acclaimed electric guitars ever made. It set my dad back almost 10 grand. It was that awesome.
When we got home I practiced with it a little. He sat back and instructed me. It was moments like this with my dad that I knew this is what I wanted to do. I wanted to write music and play my guitar. It truly made me happy and at peace. It is probably what got me through the last few weeks. Now I just had to get my girl and life would be….perfect.
Tuesday morning I got a call from Spencer. It was not a good call. She was on her way to the airport. Gram was in the hospital again. She didn't have very many details but Gram had asked for her. She apologized several times for leaving me on graduation day and I was upset but I understood. Gram needed her more than I did right now. I would just have to wait….longer. I told her I loved her and to give Gram my best. I hoped she would be okay.
The ceremony came fast and as I was waiting in line to receive my diploma I looked over at my fan club. Dad was dressed sharply in a suit with an enormous and cheesy grin on his face and Miranda sat next to him shaking her head. He was driving her crazy. I laughed and moved up in line.
When Mr. Goodman shook my hand my dad erupted. You could hear him throughout the entire building. If everyone didn't already know my dad was there they certainly did now.
"I never thought I would see this day Miss. Davies. I must say I am pleased but not surprised. I knew you had it in you. I'm glad I listened to Mrs. Dennison and didn't suspend you or expel you. I've never seen such a turn around. Congratulations Miss Davies. You earned this." He handed me my diploma.
"Thank you Mr. G." And thank you for not going to the school board. I smiled.
My Dad took nearly 100 pictures. At least it seemed like that many. I posed with him and with my friends and then we back to our house for dinner and dessert. Madi and her parents and Chelsea and her mother, little brother and sister. Miranda was there too of course. My Dad had been cooking most of the morning along with our part-time Chef Greta. Now I see why. They made enough to feed a small army. After dinner he brought out the 3 cakes. He made a toast to Madi, Chelsea and I and it nearly brought me to tears. He was so proud.
While everyone was in the living room listening to tour stories from my dad I snuck out to call Spencer.
"How is she?" I asked as soon as she picked up the phone.
"She's stable. She fell Ash. She fell and hit her head really hard. She was unconscious for almost 24 hours. She's awake now but she is really groggy." She sounded really tired.
"I'm sorry Spence. Are you okay?"
"Yeah Ash I'm okay. How was the ceremony? You did get your diploma right?" She joked.
"Yep. You're talking to a high school graduate here. And you know what that means?"
"That I am no longer your teacher?"
"Exactly. I can't wait to see you Spence." I didn't even try to hide the desperation in my voice.
"Me either. I'm sorry I had to leave. But we've waited this long right."
"Right." And if I had it my way we wouldn't have to wait much longer.
"I gotta go back before my dad realizes I'm gone. I'll call you later okay?"
"Okay. I love you Ash. And congratulations."
"Thanks Baby, I love you too."
"Ash are you ready?" Madi asked.
"Yeah just about." I was getting dressed for the lame party tonight at the school. I guess it was a way of saying your goodbyes to all of your school mates.
We arrived at the school fashionably late. I walked over to the punch bowl and grabbed a cup. Then I walked over to the bleachers and sat down at the very top. I took it all in. I would not miss this place at all.
"Wanna play some volleyball?"
"Nah. Never again. Unless it's on the beach and I'm surrounded my girls in bikini's."
"Hmm. That does sound better."
"Why are you sitting up here by yourself?"
I shrugged. "I'm pouting. We just graduated today. I was hoping I wouldn't have to come back. Ever."
She laughed. "I know what you mean. But I'm going to miss certain things ya know."
"Oh really? Like what?"
"Seeing you every day. Once we leave here I don't know when I will or if I'll ever see you again and that sucks."
"Yeah. I guess you're right. It doesn't have to be that way Case." I haven't called her Case since we decided not to be friends anymore.
"Are you saying you want to be friends again?" She finally sat down next to me.
"Are you going to be able to be just my friend?"
"Yeah. I think I can manage. I hate not talking to you more than the fact that I'll never have you. Besides I can't compete with Mrs. Dennison so I'm not going to even try." What did she just say?
"What? How did you find out? Was it you that told Mr. Goodman?"
"Easy Ash. I didn't know exactly for sure. Until now that is. Amanda told me."
"Amanda?" How did that Bitch find out?
"She went to go talk to Mrs. Dennison about an assignment and overheard you two talking. She didn't say what she heard just that you two were definitely a couple."
"Wow."
"That was my reaction when I heard you and Mrs. D. were together. And then our conversation the other day made more sense. How long?"
"A couple months. But we are not having sex no matter what Amanda told you."
"Really? That's surprising. Not as surprising as you and our teacher being a couple but it's definitely a shocker."
"Not really. I love her. I would do anything for her."
"It explains a lot. The new Ashley. The reason you turned me down. I understand now and I'm sorry."
I nodded. "So how come Amanda didn't go to the school board? Her mom is on the board isn't she?"
"She said she didn't want to get Mrs. Dennison into trouble. She knew Mr. Goodman wouldn't do anything about it because it was just an anonymous letter. She just wanted to keep you away from her. Sort of like she did with us."
I shook my head. "Why can't she just mind her own damn business?"
"I don't know. She gets her kicks out of messing with you."
"So what about you? You could have gone to someone with this info."
"Ash you shouldn't even have to ask. I love you. I always will. No matter what happened this year I still want you to be happy. I'm sorry if I caused any problems with you and Mrs. Dennison."
"Thank you. It means a lot. I'll always care for you too Case. No matter what. So what's going on with you and Vasquez?"
"Nothing much. We like each other but we are taking it reeeeally slow. Not jumping into things anymore. Didn't work out right the first time. It's just hard. She has a lot to live up to. She's not you." She looked away quickly as a tear rolled down her cheek.
"Case. No more tears. You're 18. There's someone out there for you. But it's not me. You'll find someone. Someone who will treat you like you deserve. Someone who can make you happy." She turned back towards me and smiled.
"Thanks Ash. I'm gonna miss you." She leaned in and I hugged her. I missed this.
"Still going to Europe this summer?" She asked when she pulled away.
"Nope. Michigan." She looked at me strangely.
"Michigan?" She questioned like it was the last place on earth she would ever go.
"Yep. Michigan."
"What's in Michigan?"
"Everything."
I walked down the hall towards the doors after saying goodbye to Chelsea and Madi. And I couldn't have been happier to spot Amanda and her friends walking down the hall towards me. Amanda looked at me and she instantly knew I knew. She stopped walking and told her friends to meet her in the gym.
"Come on outside with me. I want to talk." She nodded and walked outside behind me.
Once we got outside she started talking. "Going to see your lover?"
"For your information she is not my lover..yet. Not that I owe you anything."
"Oh I think you do. We both know I could have gotten her fired if I really wanted to. I think you owe me some gratitude." What a bitch. I was not thanking her. I just wanted to leave and go see Spencer. There was just one thing left to do.
"I owe you huh? You want me to say Thanks?" She nodded.
I pulled my arm back and flung it forward. Hitting her square in the face. She was holding her face but it wasn't bleeding. I didn't hit her as hard as I hit Carmen.
"Thanks. Hope I never see you again." And with that I left. Miranda was waiting in the parking lot for me.
We went to my house. I packed and said goodbye to my dad. Miranda had called Spencer's dad to make sure it was okay that we came. He assured her he would be happy to see us and so would Spencer.
As we boarded the plane a million thoughts went through my mind. But only one worth thinking of twice. I couldn't wait to hold her and kiss her and after that I was never letting her go again.
The storm came, it hit us hard. But we did not fall. We were even stronger now.
Reviews are very much welcome. Hopefully I can get the next chapter to you by Saturday. I know some of you are anxiously waiting for it. I will try my best to get it to you as soon as possible.
Check out The Clincher by Abworkma if you haven't already..Awesome story :)